Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2017
570. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address a matter regarding an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43551/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has such a disability that they require that level of care.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that the applicant’s means are less than the statutory limit which in this case is €242.60 weekly.
The application for CA was disallowed as her means were determined to exceed the statutory limit.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant, property, (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions or benefits from another country.
The evidence before the deciding officer included a payslip dated 30 March 2017 which showed a gross income of €16,881.25 for 13 insurable weeks, averaging €1,298.56 per week. When allowable deductions of €110.58 were applied, the weekly assessable income was €1,187.98. A disregard for a married couple of €665.00 then applied and the remainder was halved. The carer’s means were therefore assessed at €261.49 per week which is in excess of the statutory means limit of €242.60.
The person concerned was notified on 22 July 2017 of this decision, the reason for it and her right of review and appeal.
A review of this decision was requested on 3 August 2017 and following this review the deciding officer decided that her means still exceeded the statutory limit and that consequently there would be no change to the original decision.
The person concerned was notified of the outcome on 4 October 2017 and of her right of appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
